UOC priest brutally beaten by militants in Chernivtsi, in serious condition
UOC priest Fr. Roman was beaten by militants near the cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: UOJ
New footage has emerged showing the brutality of the militants during the initial moments of the seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi. As reported by a UOJ correspondent, the video captures Dumenko’s “prayer warriors” beating UOC priest Fr. Roman.
According to the Orthobuk Telegram channel, Archpriest Roman is currently in serious condition.
Militants from the OCU struck him repeatedly with fists and kicks. The half-conscious priest was dragged across the ground and then thrown over a three-meter fence.
Later, he was taken away by an ambulance with severe injuries.
CT scans showed that Fr. Roman suffered multiple rib fractures and lung contusions. A breathing tube had to be inserted.
In addition, his nose is broken. Doctors have also recorded multiple contusions – to the heart, chest, pelvic organs, and leg.
"We ask for your holy prayers for his recovery," the report says.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that OCU militants attempted to seize the UOC’s cathedral in Chernivtsi and brutally assaulted several priests.
Later, a UOC cleric from his hospital bed publicly invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to Chernivtsi to see for himself the crimes committed by his spiritual children.
Read also
Serbian media: Ukrainian authorities fail to "cancel" Christmas on January 7
Serbian "Politika" reported that the festive services of the UOC at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and throughout the country gathered thousands of believers despite state pressure.
U.S. military chaplains greet Orthodox believers on Christmas on January 7
American military chaplains have published a festive Christmas message to Orthodox Christians.
DESS: Almost 1,400 parishes "transferred" from UOC to OCU over past 3 years
The State Service for Ethnopolitics reported how many religious communities were taken from the UOC in 2022–2025.
Young UOC parishioners of Buhryn sing Christmas carols at closed church
Young parishioners of the Ascension Church of the Rivne Eparchy glorified the Nativity of Christ at the gate of their locked church.
Metropolitan Victor prays with persecuted UOC parish in Starokostiantyniv
The hierarch of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy led the festal service on the day of the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Met Theodosiy serves Liturgy on Christmas for first time since his illness
The ruling hierarch of the Cherkasy Eparchy celebrated his first service after illness together with the clergy and faithful.